Willie Earl Lindsay

Willie Earl Lindsay obituary, Portage, IN

Willie Earl Lindsay

Willie Lindsay Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 9, 2025.
A Legacy of Love,

Willie Earl Lindsay was born on September 8, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Mattie Rose and Willie Lindsay. He was the eldest son of seven children and lovingly known by many as "Junnie Man" or simply "June." Summers spent in Clinton, Mississippi with his grandfather and extended family helped shape the charming, Southern gentleman so many came to know and love.

Willie accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of Goodwill Baptist Church in East Chicago for many years. Under this house of worship, he married the love of his life, Lori, and together they baptized their two children. Willie's faith deepened over time, eventually leading him to become a licensed officiant.

Willie's educational journey began at Garfield Elementary and continued at Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, where he graduated proudly with the Class of 1983. At Proviso East, he was a dedicated athlete, especially on the wrestling team. He went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations from Western Illinois University in 1987.

From a young age, Willie was no stranger to hard work-spending summers working alongside his father and uncle or at the Post Office to help pay for school. His professional career began at Household, where his natural charisma and people skills helped him rise through the ranks in customer and retail services. He ultimately became a financial analyst, a role that let him lean into his love for numbers-a passion sparked by his late mother.

Seeking to be closer to his growing family, Willie made a career shift, spending 12 years at CarMax before settling into what became his home away from home-Mike Anderson Chevrolet. His colleagues there weren't just coworkers; they became family. His customers became friends, and many would return not just for cars, but for Willie. Whether helping someone find the right vehicle or sharing a laugh across the lot, he built real relationships grounded in honesty, warmth, and care. As one colleague shared, "Working with Willie was like working with your big brother-he always had your back, cracked the best jokes, and made the job feel like home."

Willie never met a stranger. With a warm heart, sharp wit, and an uncanny ability to remember names, faces, and even car models, he left a lasting impression everywhere he went. Whether sharing jokes or offering advice, Willie found a way to connect, uplift, and inspire.

In 1993, Willie met and fell in love with Lori Knox. They were married on October 21, 1995, and from their loving union came two children: his brilliant daughter, Darrien Taylor, the apple of his eye, and 12 years later, his unexpected blessing and "lil man," Dorian Tyler.

As a husband and father, Willie was devoted. He and Lori built a home filled with love, lessons, laughter, and unforgettable memories. There was rarely a time he told her no. Whether through hard-earned wisdom or shared moments of joy, he gave freely of himself if he thought it could make someone else's life better.

Willie was stern when necessary, always intentional, and deeply loving. His children, nieces, and nephews knew this best. He loved sports-coaching various youth teams over the years for Darrien, Dorian, or simply because someone needed him to step in. Family time was sacred, whether he was cheering from the stands, playing spades with his signature smirk, or blasting R&B and soul music that filled the house with rhythm and memories.

He had an ear for music, a gift for storytelling, and a deep appreciation for the simple beauties of life. On his phone, you'd find dozens of pictures-sunsets, trees, skies-each one a quiet moment captured by someone who understood how to slow down and take it all in.

Willie's life was one of service, laughter, loyalty, and love. He will be missed more than words can ever express, but his legacy lives on in every person who had the honor of knowing him.

Willie was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his brother Derrick, his sister Evette and nephew Eric Lindsay.

He leaves behind his love of his life and devoted wife, Lori; his cherished daughter, Darrien; and his beloved son, Dorian Lindsay, all of Portage, Indiana. He is also survived by his sisters: Sandra (Tyrone) Cannon of LaGrange, IL; Jeneal (Willie) Brown of Joliet, IL; Bernita Bryant of Bellwood, IL; and Ann (Reggie) Raines of Bolingbrook, IL. In addition, he is lovingly remembered by his mother-in- law Dolores Knox of Gary, IN, godson Joshua Smith of Lisle, IL, goddaughter Alysee Childress of Chicago, IL and baby sister/ niece Kenisha (Scott) Ross, Lagrange, IL.

Willie's memory will forever live on in the hearts of his 14 nieces and nephews, along with a host of extended family members and dear friends who will continue to treasure the impact of his life.

All Services Friday, July 11,2025. Visitation: 9:30 am Funeral: 11:00 am at Goodwill Baptist Church 511 Indianapolis Blvd East Chicago, IN 46312. Pastor Nickolas Lathan. Professional Services Rendered by Powell Coleman Funeral Home.

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Yesterday

BOB HAGUE posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2025

Marsha Manning-Ruiz posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2025

Judy Hazelett posted to the memorial.

BOB HAGUE

Yesterday

"EPIC WILLIE", My Hero, was a man of many gifts, talents, and passions, but above all, he was a man of extraordinary kindness and unconditional love. He touched many hearts, and inspired so many souls. Also, he was a man with the greatest charm and the highest integrity. People may forget what you say or do, but they never forget on how you made them feel. Willie always made you feel - that you were Special. That truly is a gift, as Willie, was a gift to all of us from GOD !
HE WAS THE BEST THERE IS, THE BEST THERE WAS, THE BEST THERE EVER WILL BE !!!

Marsha Manning-Ruiz

July 12, 2025

Willie has the most beautiful soul, and I will never forget his smile. He was selfless, loving, kind, and forgiving. I will miss him yelling "have a good night bestie!" Every time I left work.
Rest with God, Willie. Until we meet again bestie.

Judy Hazelett

July 12, 2025

Prayers and condolences to the Lindsey and Knox families. God is your strength and Keep the Faith. He was such an inspiration to all whose lives he touched.

Shirley Welch

July 12, 2025

I was very proud to see the man you grew up to be,
And how you took care of all your family. I know mom and dad are proud also..

Laurel

July 11, 2025

I worked with Willie about a million years ago at MAC. He was the sweetest man. Always willing to listen and give the best advice and a joke. My prayers to his family.

Kimberly

July 11, 2025

Lori, Darian and Dorian the Prayers of our family, Rev. Ernest, Sis. Kim , Kimesha and Family have always considered you and your family as one of our own. Just know that in the coming days, weeks and months when all the company and family and friends have all traveled back to their destinations, if at any time you need someone to talk to or to hang out with I am always here for you Sis. Love you with all my heart.

Bettie Wilson

July 11, 2025

To the family of Mr. Lindsey. My sincere condolences to his family. He was the person at Mike Anderson that kept me up to date with my repairs. He and his friend next to him were hilarious. I am going to miss his humor and friendliness. RIH my friend

Regina M.

July 11, 2025

"But we would not have you ignorant, brethren concerning those who are asleep, that ye may not grieve as others do who have no hope...Therefore comfort one another with these words" (1Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Elder Cheryl Frith Brown

July 11, 2025

Thank you Willie for your smile and kind service that was shown to me everytime I would come and get my car serviced. You always teased me about being a Delta because your wife is my Soror. You will truly be missed.
Take your rest for you are now in the presence of the Lord

Tawanna Croom

July 11, 2025

My sincere condolences to you all. May the warmth of Will´s smile and heart be forever with you. His Spirit lives through eternity.

Lauren Lee

July 11, 2025

Willie, we shared some great times at Mike Anderson. Thank you for the words and advise you have given me over the years. Woosah is a word I will forever use and I will always think of you when I say it! You are one of the greatest and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Willie. Love you always.

Arbrett Cannon

July 11, 2025

To the Family of Willie my condolences to his wife his children his sisters and brothers and the entire Family I will miss Willie he was a nice kind person he is the brother of my sister in law Sandra he would always talk to me made me feel like part of his family. When ever we got together at family gathering he made me feel welcomed at ease the whole Family made me or anyone there feel welcomed.He will be missed this mean that there is another Angel looking out and watching out for his Family and Friends. I t´s ok to cry to be sad to miss him. Know that GOD Will Take Care Of You, He Will Never Leave Nor Forsake You. He is with his Mother Father Sister and Brother they are all looking out for you.

Brian and Tracy Prasco

July 10, 2025

We were not only Willie´s customers, but considered him a friend. We are so sorry for your loss and pray for our loving God to hold you near during this time. Enjoy Paradise Willie.

Anthony Childress

July 10, 2025

I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and brother, Willie Earl Lindsay. He will be missed. Prayers and condolences going out to Lori, Darrien, Dorian, and the entire family. God bless

Alyse Childress

July 9, 2025

My God dad was really like an extension of my own daddy. They are so much alike. I know he loved me as his own, because he would fuss at me like his own too. I have so many memories of my childhood with him right in the middle. But I´m so grateful to love him, be loved by him, and be claimed as his God daughter. I´ll tell anyone if they don´t like the way I play spades, don´t blame me, blame my God dad! Bc he taught me. I´ll miss him forever.

Jessica Madden

July 9, 2025

My deepest condolences to my cousins. My the Lord comfort you during this difficult time.

.

July 9, 2025

You were a colleague since day one but most of all you are my brother i miss you rest in peace

Camille Anne Britton

July 9, 2025

Mr. Lindsay, was the person that waited on my daughter and myself at the service department. He always had a smile and excellent customer service skills. He made sure his clients was pleased with any service that was done at Mike Anderson. He will be missed.

Tojuana Sams

July 9, 2025

I met Willie from my cuzin who told me when you have it serviced go to willie, I have known him since 2018 but he became family, I stopped in when my cuzin passed to let him know, I would stop in just to say hi and sometimes I took him and his crew snacks on special occasions. When I received the news he passed I thought maybe they were mistaken. I am truly going to miss him.

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Powell-Coleman Funeral Home

3200 W 15th Ave, Gary, IN 46404

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Not sure what to say?

Yesterday

BOB HAGUE posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2025

Marsha Manning-Ruiz posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2025

Judy Hazelett posted to the memorial.